The Knockout Rule by Kelly Siskind

Author:Kelly Siskind
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CD Books

Rosa was his sister, not his daughter, only two years younger than him, but Eric had assumed the role of man of the house, earning money, making sure she studied and finished high school. He’d reprimanded her when she’d made bad choices, like the time she got caught cheating on a math test, and the night a parent called because Rosa thought it was a genius idea to drink a bathtub worth of peach schnapps.

Without their father around, he’d grounded her as needed and showed up for science fair presentations. He’d sacrificed his schooling and wants and had taken care of his family, as it should be. He wanted her to experience unconditional love and support from a man in her life.

He wouldn’t fail her now.

There was a leather sofa in the corner facing a TV, where he often watched videos of Joe Bradley with Graham and DeAndre, analyzing Joe’s fighting style, strategizing techniques.

He dragged his ass over there and fell onto the cushioned seat. “I’m sorry for raising my voice. You’re just such a great mom who always puts her kids first, and I want to keep it that way. Aside from more money, is there anything you need?”

“I need a week’s worth of sleep,” she said, sounding exhausted enough to need it. “And a magic kitchen that cleans itself, and I’d kill for one of those spa days, with the manicures and pedicures and fruity water. For now, I’d settle for a hug from you.”

Something else he couldn’t give her. “I’ll be home as soon as the fight’s over. I’ll clean the kitchen and make you fruity water. And when I win this fight, I’ll buy you a year’s worth of spa days.”

Silence lingered. Then she said softly, “I’m so glad you’re doing what you love.”

He almost let out a harsh laugh. He had loved the sport once—the challenge of it, the athletic outlet. In the early days, his mind was always on training and visualization. Then he’d finished high school remotely, had started studying in his free time. Gradually, over the years, something had shifted. He knew his boxing made his family proud. He got a thrill when they boasted about him, but lately any love for the sport felt tainted. Bitter greens he had to swallow.

“I’ll wire more money today,” he said. Money he’d have to borrow.

A distant “give it back” sounded through the line: Asher’s pained whine.

“Goddamn it,” Rosa grumbled. “Gotta go. Love you.”

She hung up and Eric stared at nothing until his eyes blurred.

“Did a tornado blow through here?” Preston stood at the training room entrance, glancing at the contents of Eric’s gym bag sprawled over the floor.

“It’s been a rough morning.” His sweat-slicked skin was stuck to the leather couch. Clamminess settled in the wake of his intense workout. He pushed off the couch, wiped the leather down with his towel, then joined Preston, who was already on his phone, meandering toward the punching bag.

Preston finished his business and jerked his chin at Eric.

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